Maestro Raffaele Ponti

Winning admirers and exciting audiences, conductor Raffaele Ponti is known as an artist of dynamic personality, charismatic performances, and superb musicianship. Ponti’s trademark is in the breadth of his vision, the clarity of his interpretation, and the rich beauty of his sound.

The Chicago Courier News writes, “Maestro Ponti is a rising star, someone gaining international acclaim and attention. He has a tremendous zest for music, an exuberance recalling both the roar and rush of a roller coaster ride. Fans worldwide say that his passion shows. Ponti brings an exhilarating energy level to center stage. It’s an electrifying swagger-empowering and enabling him to pull music from light to darkness and back again.”

David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra writes, “Maestro Ponti is first and foremost, a wonderful and natural musician. His conducting technique is simple, clear, and uncluttered with mannerisms. He is extremely generous of spirit and is a sympathetic accompanist. I also find Maestro Ponti to be efficient in his use of rehearsal time.”

Robert Bonfiglio, Harmonica Virtuoso states, “I just performed the Villa-Lobos Harmonica Concerto with Maestro Raffaele Ponti and I was stunned by what an unbelievable conductor he is; wonderful, dazzling, exciting, I don’t know what to say other than “very musical.”

Raffaele is Artistic Director and Conductor of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra (KY), Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (FL), Genesee Symphony Orchestra (NY), former Principal Conductor and Music Director, now Regular Guest Conductor of I.K.O. Italia Konzert Opera International, Founding Director of Festival di Musica da Camera in Ripatransone, Italy, and continues to appear with prominent orchestras around the United States and Europe.

Michael Ludwig, Concert Violinist writes, “Raffaele brings extraordinary artistry and incredible excitement and passion to the podium, a musician of great sensitivity and high artistry. Raffaele had a wonderful rapport with the orchestra. He has tremendous skill in communicating his musical thoughts and expressions, and is extremely efficient in his rehearsing method. Most importantly, Raffaele approaches the music with a great artistic sensibility. His interpretations are passionate, exciting, and well thought out. He brings great excitement and enthusiasm that is palpable to the concert goers, as well as the orchestra.”

Raffaele’s dynamic personality with excellent people skills makes him a favorite with everyone, orchestra, audience, board members and sponsors.

Executive Director, Daniel Sene states, “ Raffaele is an extremely skilled conductor who achieves great results with the musicians he works with. The orchestra respects his musical vision and responds with great performances. As a result of his leadership, our orchestra has seen phenomenal growth in season ticket sales. Additionally, Raffaele understands the role of a modern Artistic Director and thus relates extremely well with patrons and donors.”